Primary packaging for receiving at least one product, in particular a food product

ABSTRACT

The invention is based on a primary packaging, in particular a primary paper packaging, for receiving at least one product (12), in particular a food product, with at least one enveloping unit (14), which in particular comes into contact with the product (12) directly, in particular a tubular bag; the enveloping unit (14), in particular the tubular bag, comprising at least one barrier layer (16) for a protection of the received product (12), in particular from humidity, and comprising at least one carrier layer (18), in particular paper layer, which is connected with the barrier layer (16), in particular by substance-to-substance bond.It is proposed that the primary packaging comprises at least one functional unit (20), which is in particular embodied in a one-part implementation with the enveloping unit (14), for a protection of the enveloping unit (14) and/or of the received product (12) from damages.

BACKGROUND

A primary packaging for receiving at least one product, in particular a food product, with at least one enveloping unit, which in particular directly contacts the product, in particular a tubular bag, the enveloping unit, in particular the tubular bag, comprising at least one barrier layer for a protection of the received product and at least one carrier layer, in particular paper layer, which is connected with the barrier layer, in particular by substance-to-substance bond, has already been proposed.

SUMMARY

The invention is based on a primary packaging, in particular a primary paper packaging, for receiving at least one product, in particular a food product, with at least one enveloping unit, which in particular comes into contact with the product directly, in particular a tubular bag, the enveloping unit, in particular the tubular bag, comprising at least one barrier layer for a protection of the received product, in particular from humidity and/or oxygen, and comprising at least one carrier layer, in particular paper layer, which is connected with the barrier layer, in particular by substance-to-substance bond.

It is proposed that the primary packaging comprises at least one functional unit, in particular damping and/or stiffening unit, which is in particular embodied in a one-part implementation with the enveloping unit, for a protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product from damages. The term “in a one-part implementation” is in particular to mean at least connected by substance-to-substance bond, for example by a welding process, a gluing process, an injection-molding process and/or another process that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. Preferably the functional unit is formed at least partly by the enveloping unit, in particular by at least one partial region of the enveloping unit. The functional unit is preferentially configured to protect the enveloping unit, at least in a partial region, and/or the received product from transport damages. “Configured” is in particular to mean specifically constructed, specifically designed and/or specifically equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be understood that the object fulfills and/or executes said certain function in at least one application state and/or operation state. The functional unit is preferably arranged on the enveloping unit or at least partly formed by the enveloping unit in such a way that at least a damaging of the barrier layer, in particular caused by an excessive kinking of the enveloping unit in the region of a fold triangle of the enveloping unit, caused by transport and/or by an arrangement of the primary packaging in a secondary packaging, can be counteracted.

Preferentially the functional unit is embodied at least partially as a damping unit, which is configured to damp, at least in a partial region of the enveloping unit, shocks acting on the enveloping unit via a deformation and/or a movement of at least one element or a partial region of the functional unit that is at least partially embodied as a damping unit. Alternatively or additionally the functional unit is embodied at least partially as a stiffening unit, which is configured for a stiffening of the enveloping unit at least in a partial region, in particular for the purpose of protecting the received product from an impact of external loads, which could result in a damage to the received product. The functional unit that is embodied at least partially as a stiffening unit is preferably formed as a result of a geometric arrangement of partial regions of the enveloping unit and/or as a result of a specifically introduced or shaped surface structure in at least one partial region of the enveloping unit. For example, the functional unit that is embodied at least partially as a stiffening unit and/or as a damping unit may be implemented of stiffening elements which are additionally arranged on the enveloping unit, e.g. additional folds, additional ribs, additional stamping in the enveloping unit or similar, or of end regions of the enveloping unit itself. Preferentially the enveloping unit is configured, in a state when the primary packaging is arranged in the secondary packaging, to protect the enveloping unit, in particular from loads which can lead at least to a damaging of the barrier layer due to an impact of loads in a state when the primary packaging is arranged in the secondary packaging. Preferably the functional unit is formed at least largely, in particular completely, of a material of the enveloping unit.

The enveloping unit is preferably implemented as a paper enveloping unit. In particular, the enveloping unit is implemented of a paper by more than 50%, preferentially by more than 70% and especially preferentially by more than 80% of a total material of the enveloping unit. The enveloping unit is preferably implemented as a paper foil. The enveloping unit is preferentially implemented differently than a cardboard enveloping unit. In particular, the enveloping unit has a maximum material thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm and particularly preferably less than 500 μm. Preferentially the enveloping unit has a maximum material thickness that is smaller than 250 μm. The enveloping unit is especially preferentially embodied as a tubular bag, in particular a tubular paper bag. The enveloping unit preferably comprises the barrier layer as well as the carrier layer, which are connected to each other. The carrier layer is preferentially embodied as a paper layer. It is conceivable that the enveloping unit has, alternatively or additionally to the barrier layer and/or to the carrier layer, further layers, in particular functional layers, which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example a sealing and structure layer, a blocking and structure layer, or the like. Preferably the barrier layer is embodied as a transparent PET layer. The barrier layer is preferentially configured as a barrier against oxygen. It is however also conceivable that the barrier layer is embodied as a different layer that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, which is provided as a barrier against oxygen, as a barrier against water vapor, as a barrier against condensate, as a lipid barrier, as a humidity barrier, or as a different barrier that is deemed to be expedient by someone skilled in the art.

Moreover, it is also conceivable that the enveloping unit comprises, in addition to the barrier layer, a further barrier layer, which is additionally configured as a barrier against water vapor, as a barrier against condensate, or something like that. The further barrier layer may, for example, be embodied as a transparent polyethylene layer, as a metallized PP layer, or something like that. Preferably the enveloping unit comprises, in particular in addition to the barrier layer and the carrier layer, a sealing layer. The sealing layer may, for example, be implemented as an, in particular white, polyethylene layer. The sealing layer is preferably embodied to be non-transparent. The sealing layer is preferentially connected with the carrier layer, in particular connected with the carrier layer in a one-part implementation. Preferably the sealing layer is glued with the carrier layer. The barrier layer is preferably sealed with the carrier layer. Preferentially the barrier layer forms an outer side of the enveloping unit. The sealing layer preferably forms an inner side of the enveloping unit, which in particular faces towards the received product. It is however also conceivable that the barrier layer forms the inner side of the enveloping unit, which in particular faces towards the received product, wherein the sealing unit is arranged between the barrier layer and the carrier layer. Other arrangements of the barrier layer, the carrier layer and/or the sealing layer, which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, are also conceivable.

The primary packaging is preferably configured for receiving products embodied as food products, like for example chocolate bars, slabs of chocolate, biscuits, cookies, cereal bars, fitness bars, sherbet-like powders, or similar. The primary packaging completely encloses the product received in the enveloping unit, in particular for a protection from oxygen, humidity or similar. The primary packaging is preferably produced in a packaging machine that is taught in DE 10 2019 132 878 A1, in particular in a horizontal tubular bag machine that is taught therein. Preferentially the enveloping unit is folded as well as transversely and longitudinally sealed, at least around the product that is to be received, by the packaging machine taught in DE 10 2019 132 878 A1. The teaching of DE 10 2019 132 878 A1 in regard to the packaging machine and to a method for a production with respect to a folding of the enveloping unit and to a longitudinal and a transverse sealing of the enveloping unit are in particular to be considered as part of the present disclosure. It is however also conceivable that the primary packaging according to the invention is produced at least partly by means of a different packaging machine that is deemed to be expedient by someone skilled in the art.

By the implementation of the primary packaging according to the invention advantageously a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product may be enabled. In particular in an implementation of the primary packaging as a primary paper packaging, if there is no functional unit a tearing of the enveloping unit may occur due to an arrangement in a secondary packaging, caused by, in particular excessive, kinking of end regions, in particular in the region of fold triangles, of the enveloping unit, which can be advantageously counteracted by means of the functional unit according to the invention. Advantageously packaging materials may be used which are made of delicate, in particular tear-prone and/or very thin, materials, in particular of paper, for a primary packaging of products which advantageously tend to be damaged less when transported in a secondary packaging.

It is furthermore proposed that the functional unit which is in particular at least partly embodied as a damping unit is at least partly realized by at least one fin of the enveloping unit, in particular by at least one fin of the enveloping unit created as a result of a fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit. In a fin seam sealing, first of all two edge regions of the not-yet-closed enveloping unit, which face away from each other, are arranged with their inner sides upon each other and sealed in a manner that is already known to someone skilled in the art like, for example, the manner taught in DE 10 2019 132 878 A1. It is well known that in a fin seam sealing the longitudinal sealing is done first, resulting in something like a flexible tube with a sealing on one side. By a transverse sealing, which is well known to be carried out later on, of two ends of the enveloping unit which face away from each other, a seam of the longitudinal sealing is folded back, as is well-known, and a fin of the enveloping unit is created, in particular on each end of the enveloping unit, preferably of the primary packaging. The fin of the enveloping unit preferably forms an end of the enveloping unit. In particular, a separating edge and/or a rip-open edge of the enveloping unit is arranged on the fin of the enveloping unit. Preferentially the fin of the enveloping unit is a region of the enveloping unit in which, after transverse sealing, two partial regions of the inner side of the enveloping unit are directly connected, in particular glued, with each other. The enveloping unit preferably comprises a fin on each end. Preferentially the enveloping unit comprises at least two fins, in particular precisely two fins. The fins are preferably arranged on ends of the enveloping unit which face away from each other. Preferentially the fin or the fins is/are configured to act as a damper or dampers by way of a deformation and/or a movement of the fin or the fins, in particular in case of a force acting on the fin or the fins along an axis that extends at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the enveloping unit. The longitudinal axis of the enveloping unit preferably extends at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the longitudinal sealing seam of the enveloping unit. “At least substantially parallel” is here in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction that is in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and especially advantageously smaller than 2°. The implementation of the primary packaging according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product. It is advantageously possible to make use of a springy characteristic of the fins for a damping function, in particular in an implementation of the primary packaging as a primary paper packaging.

It is further proposed that the functional unit is implemented at least partly by a fold triangle of the enveloping unit, in particular by at least one fold triangle of the enveloping unit created as a result of a fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit. The fold triangle of the enveloping unit is preferably formed, in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art, as a result of an introduction of a transverse sealing seam. Preferentially the fold triangle is arranged in a region of the enveloping unit that extends between the fin and the received product. The fold triangle is preferably implemented by a partial region of the enveloping unit that tapers towards the fin. Preferentially the enveloping unit comprises a fold triangle on each side facing towards the respective fin. Preferably the enveloping unit comprises at least two fold triangles, in particular precisely two fold triangles. Preferentially the fold triangles are arranged on sides of the enveloping unit which face away from each other. Preferably the fold triangle, in particular each fold triangle, is arranged between, in particular spatially between, the fin and an, in particular rectangular-cuboid-shaped, receiving region of the enveloping unit, which the received product is arranged in. Preferentially the fold triangle or the fold triangles implements/implement a stiffening structure of the enveloping unit which, in particular in case of a force acting onto the fin or the fins along the axis that extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the enveloping unit, counteracts a deformation of the entire enveloping unit and preferably counteracts a contact between the fin or the fins and the received product. The implementation of the primary packaging according to the invention advantageously enables a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product. It is advantageously possible, in particular in an implementation of the primary packaging as a primary paper packaging, to make use of a stiffening characteristic of the fold triangles for a stiffening function.

It is also proposed that the functional unit is implemented at least partly by at least one, in particular the afore-mentioned, fin of the enveloping unit, in particular by at least one, in particular the afore-mentioned, fin of the enveloping unit created as a result of a fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit, wherein the fin comprises a stiffening structure, in particular in addition to a sealing structure. The stiffening structure may be realized by foldings, folds, ribs or the like additionally arranged on the fin, and/or by an introduction, in particular a stamping, of structures, like for example a honeycomb structure, a netting structure or something like that, into the fin. Preferentially all the fins of the enveloping unit have a stiffening structure. Alternatively or additionally it is also conceivable that the fold triangle, in particular all the fold triangles, of the enveloping unit has, in particular have, at least one stiffening structure. Preferably the stiffening structure has a main extension that extends transversely to the transverse sealing seam. Other implementations for an additional stiffening of the fin, in particular of all the fins, of the enveloping unit, which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, are also conceivable. The implementation of the primary packaging according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product. A high degree of stiffness of the fin is achievable in a constructionally simple manner, in particular in an implementation of the primary packaging as a primary paper packaging.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the functional unit is implemented at least partly by a fold triangle, in particular by at least one fold triangle created as a result of a fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit, in particular the aforementioned fold triangle, and by a counter-fold triangle, in particular a gusset, of the enveloping unit. Preferably the counter-fold triangle is realized, in particular in a manner that is already known to someone skilled in the art, as an inwards-folding towards an inner side in the region of the fold triangle. Preferentially the counter-fold triangle is realized as a folding in a region of the fin prior to an introduction of the transverse sealing seam. Preferably at least two, in particular exactly two, counter-fold triangles, in particular at least two gussets, are arranged on the fold triangle, in particular on each fold triangle, of the enveloping unit. The implementation of the primary packaging according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product. A high degree of stiffness of the fold triangle is achievable in a constructionally simple manner, in particular in an implementation of the primary packaging as a primary paper packaging.

Beyond this it is proposed that the functional unit is realized at least partly by a stiffness parameter of the carrier layer, in particular by a paper stiffness parameter of the paper layer. Preferentially the functional unit is realized at least partly by the material-specific stiffness parameter of the carrier layer and by a geometrical arrangement, in particular by the implementation of the fold triangle. The stiffness parameter of the carrier layer that is embodied as a paper layer is preferably greater than the stiffness parameter of a carrier layer that is implemented of a synthetic foil or aluminum foil and is already known to someone skilled in the art. The implementation of the primary packaging according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product. It is advantageously possible, by using a paper layer as a carrier layer, to make use of a high innate stiffness for a stable realization of the primary packaging at least in the region of the fold triangle.

The invention is further based on a packaging machine, in particular a tubular-bag machine, for a production and/or for a transport of the primary packaging according to the invention. It is proposed that the packaging machine comprises at least one transport unit, which is implemented in such a way that during transport, in particular during transport into a secondary packaging, in particular into the aforementioned secondary packaging, the primary packaging is supported at least in the region of a fold triangle, in particular the aforementioned fold triangle, of the enveloping unit and/or a fin, in particular the aforementioned fin, of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around at least one axis. The transport unit is preferably implemented by a gripper unit, which is configured, by means of a form-fit and/or force-fit connection, to lift the primary packaging from a product feeding unit, in particular a conveyor belt, a pick-up chain, or something like that, of the packaging machine and to convey it to a secondary packaging, in particular the aforementioned secondary packaging. The transport unit preferentially comprises at least one holding element, by means of which the primary packaging can be held for a transport into the secondary packaging. The holding element may be configured, for example, as a negative-pressure holding element, for example as a suction cup. Preferentially the transport unit comprises, in particular in addition to the holding element, at least one further holding element, by means of which the primary packaging can be held for a transport into the secondary packaging. Preferably the primary packaging is clampable between the holding element and the further holding element. The holding element and the further holding element are preferably supported on a base body of the transport unit in a translationally movable manner. It is however also conceivable that the holding element and the further holding element are supported on the base body in a rotatable or pivotable manner. Preferentially the fin of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis that extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the enveloping unit. It is however also conceivable that the fin of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis that extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the enveloping unit.

Preferably the transport unit comprises at least one support element, which is configured to support the primary packaging during a transport, in particular a transport into the secondary packaging, at least in the region of the fold triangle of the enveloping unit. Preferentially the transport unit comprises, in particular in addition to the support element, at least one further support element, which is configured to support the primary packaging during a transport, in particular into the secondary packaging, at least in the region of the further fold triangle of the enveloping unit. The support element and the further support element are preferably supported on the base body of the transport unit in such a way that they are translationally movable. It is however also conceivable that the support element and the further support element are supported on the base body in a rotatable or pivotable manner. The support element and the further support element are preferentially implemented at least partly, in particular at an end that comes into contact with the primary packaging, of an elastic material, like for example a foam material, an elastomer, or similar.

Preferentially the packaging machine, which is in particular implemented as a horizontal tubular-bag machine, comprises a forming device, in particular a horizontal forming device, for a shaping of the primary packaging. In particular, the horizontal forming device is configured for guiding a packaging material, which in particular comprises a large portion of paper, for an implementation of the enveloping unit along a horizontal transport direction of the packaging machine, which in particular extends at least substantially perpendicularly to an effective gravity direction. The term “substantially perpendicularly” is in particular intended to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, include an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation that is in particular smaller than 8°, advantageously smaller than 5° and especially advantageously smaller than 2°. Preferably the horizontal forming device is configured at least for a shaping and/or guiding of a packaging material web, which in particular comprises a large portion of paper, for an implementation of the enveloping unit. A “packaging material web” is in particular to mean a planar, in particular two-dimensional, configuration of the packaging material, in particular of a packaging paper. The packaging machine preferentially comprises at least one packaging material wind-off unit, which is configured to receive the packaging material, in particular as a packaging material roll. Preferably the packaging material wind-off unit is configured to wind the packaging material off, in particular to convey the packaging material to a packaging material feeding unit of the packaging machine, as a packaging material web. The packaging material feeding unit is in particular configured to feed the packaging material web to the forming device. The packaging material feeding unit may comprise a plurality of components, which are in particular known to someone skilled in the art, like for example at least one oscillating lever, at least one centering feeler, at least one web edge controlling and/or at least one print unit for imprinting the packaging material.

Preferably the packaging machine comprises at least the product feeding unit, in particular a conveyor belt, a pick-up chain, or the like, which is configured for transporting the products that are to be received by the primary packaging into a region of the forming device for an enveloping by the enveloping unit formed by the packaging material in the packaging machine. Preferentially the packaging machine comprises at least one longitudinal sealing unit, which is configured to create, in particular by way of heat introduced into the packaging material and/or by a pressure onto the packaging material, a longitudinal sealing seam of the enveloping unit, which in particular extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction of the packaging machine. The longitudinal sealing unit is arranged along the transport direction after the forming device. In particular, the longitudinal sealing unit comprises at least one pair of sealing rolls, which are in particular provided with a profile, are subjectable to a pressure and/or heatable, and which are configured to transport the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, in particular by a rotation. Preferably the longitudinal sealing unit comprises a plurality of pairs of sealing rolls, wherein at least a first pair of sealing rolls, which is arranged along the transport direction after the forming device, is implemented to be heating-free, in particular for a heating-free transport of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit. Preferentially the packaging machine comprises at least one transverse sealing unit, which is configured, in particular after respectively one product, to create transverse sealing seams of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, which in particular extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction, in particular by selective pressure onto the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, and/or by an introduction of heat into the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit. In particular, the transverse sealing unit is configured to singulate the packaging material into individual primary packagings and/or individual enveloping units of primary packagings, which in particular enclose one product respectively. The transverse sealing unit is arranged along the transport direction after the longitudinal sealing unit.

Preferentially the packaging machine comprises a forming unit. The forming unit is preferably configured to deflect the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit. In particular, the packaging material feeding unit is configured to convey the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, to the forming unit along a direction that extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport direction. The forming unit preferentially comprises at least one folding edge, by way of which the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, is deflectable. Preferably the folding edge is embodied as a shoulder edge and the forming unit is embodied as a forming collar. In particular, the forming unit is implemented such that it is free of rolls for a deflection of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit. Preferentially the forming unit is configured for deflecting the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, at the folding edge into a direction that is transverse to a run-in direction of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, and transversely to the transport direction. In particular, the folding edge extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the run-in direction and to the transport direction. In particular, the folding edge is configured to create a homogeneous material tension in the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit. The forming unit preferably comprises at least two form contour edges which extend, starting from the folding edge, transversely to the folding edge, in particular in a V-shape. In particular, the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, can be re-formed via the form contour edges into a tubular bag. Preferentially the form contour edges extend along a run direction of the packaging material and/or along an outer contour of the fed-in products from the folding edge up to a forming tunnel of the forming unit, which is configured to guide the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, along the transport direction. In particular, a longitudinal axis of the forming tunnel extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction.

The forming device preferably comprises at least one form guiding unit, in particular a further forming collar, which is configured for an onwards guiding of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, transversely to a run-in direction of the packaging material at the forming unit while maintaining an, in particular homogeneous, material tension generated by the forming unit. The form guiding unit is preferentially configured for an onwards guiding of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, at least substantially perpendicularly to the run-in direction at the forming unit, in particular along the transport direction, while maintaining the homogeneous material tension generated by the forming unit, in particular by the folding edge. In particular, the form guiding unit is arranged along the transport direction after the forming unit and in particular before the longitudinal sealing unit. Preferably the form guiding unit comprises at least one, in particular three-dimensional, form guiding contour, which is configured to support the guided packaging material, respectively the guided enveloping unit, in particular at least an outer edge of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, In particular for a realization of a maintaining of the homogeneous material tension. Preferentially the form guiding unit comprises at least two form guiding contours, which are in particular arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary symmetry plane which extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction, which in particular the transport direction extends in, and which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the folding edge of the forming unit. Preferably the form guiding unit is implemented to be mirror-symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical with respect to the imaginary symmetry plane. Alternatively it is conceivable that the form guiding unit and/or the forming unit are/is implemented to be asymmetrical. Preferentially the form guiding unit is implemented to be free of rolls for a deflection of the packaging material, respectively the enveloping unit, in particular as a further forming collar. In particular, the form guiding unit may have a geometry that is at least substantially analogous to a geometry of the forming unit.

The implementation of the packaging machine according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product in an arrangement in a secondary packaging. In particular in an implementation of the primary packaging as a primary paper packaging, if there is no functional unit it is possible that, due to an arrangement in a secondary packaging, caused by, in particular excessive, kinking of end regions, in particular in the region of fold triangles, of the enveloping unit, a ripping of the enveloping unit occurs, which can be advantageously counter-acted by means of the transport unit according to the invention, in a packaging state of the primary packaging. Advantageously a gentle packaging of the primary packaging in a secondary packaging can be made possible.

The invention is also based on a method for a production and/or for a transport of the primary packaging according to the invention, in particular by means of a packaging machine according to the invention. Preferably the primary packaging according to the invention is produced by means of the packaging machine according to the invention, wherein the product is received by the enveloping unit and, in particular after producing the primary packaging and receiving the product, said product is transported into the secondary packaging by means of the transport unit of the packaging machine. The secondary packaging is preferentially embodied as a cardboard packaging surrounded by a protective sleeve, in particular a protective sleeve made of a synthetic material or paper, in a manner that is already known to someone skilled in the art. Preferably the secondary packaging comprises a U-shaped support unit, which is in particular already known to someone skilled in the art and which a plurality of primary packagings according to the invention are arranged on, in particular before the support unit and the primary packagings arranged at the support unit are surrounded by the protective sleeve in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art. It is however also conceivable that the secondary packaging has a different implementation that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a paper or cardboard box or such like, which can in particular be folded open, and which a plurality of primary packagings according to the invention can be arranged in, in particular in a stacked and/or row-wise manner. The implementation of the method according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or the received product when being arranged in a secondary packaging. Advantageously it is possible to enable gentle packaging of the primary packaging in a secondary packaging.

Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one method step, during a transport, in particular during a transport into an, in particular the aforementioned, secondary packaging, the primary packaging is supported, at least in the region of an, in particular the aforementioned, fold triangle of the enveloping unit, and/or a fin, in particular the aforementioned fin, of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around at least one axis, in particular the aforementioned axis. Preferentially during a transport, in particular during a transport into an, in particular the aforementioned, secondary packaging, the primary packaging is supported at least in the region of a fold triangle of the enveloping unit by the transport unit of the packaging machine. Preferably, during a transport into an, in particular into the aforementioned, secondary packaging, the fin or the fins of the enveloping unit is/are bent, arched and/or folded around at least one axis by means of the transport unit. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product when arranged in a secondary packaging. Advantageously a gentle packaging of the primary packaging in a secondary packaging may be enabled.

It is moreover proposed that in at least one method step, during a laying-in into a secondary packaging, a fin of the enveloping unit of the primary packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis, in particular the aforementioned axis, as a result from a contact with an inner wall of the secondary packaging, in particular of the support unit, and, in particular directly after this, a pivoting movement of the primary packaging is effected, in which a further fin, in particular the aforementioned further fin, of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around a further axis. Preferably as a result of a transport by the transport unit or of a transport by the product feeding unit, the fin of the enveloping unit of the primary packaging can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the secondary packaging. It is however also conceivable that the primary packaging is laid into the secondary packaging manually in such a way that the fin of the enveloping unit of the primary packaging is selectively bent, arched and/or folded around the axis. The further axis, around which the further fin is bent, arched and/or folded, preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the axis around which the fin is bent, arched and/or folded. Alternatively or additionally it is conceivable that in at least one method step the fine and/or the further fin are/is selectively bent, arched and/or folded around the axis, respectively the further axis, already during introduction of the transverse sealing seam. Alternatively or additionally it is conceivable that in at least one method step the fin and/or the further fin are/is intentionally weakened by an introduction of a transverse sealing seam, in particular to enable an easy bending around the axis and/or the further axis. Alternatively or additionally it is conceivable that in at least one method step, after introduction of the transverse sealing seam, the primary packaging is rotated, in particular by 90°, by the transport unit or by the product feeding unit, and then the fin and/or the further fin are/is bent, arched and/or folded around the axis, respectively the further axis, by means of a folding unit of the packaging machine. The folding unit may, for example, be a lateral guiding sheet, which is in particular arranged on both sides of a transport path of the packaging machine, and which bends the fin and/or the further fin. Further method steps for a bending, arching and/or folding of the fin and/or the further fin around the axis, respectively the further axis, which are deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, are also conceivable. The implementation according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or the received product during an arrangement in a secondary packaging. Particularly preferably, selected bending, arching and/or folding of the fin in order to enable an advantageous damping characteristic realized by the fin is achievable already during a laying-in of the primary packaging into the secondary packaging.

Beyond this it is proposed, in particular alternatively or additionally, that in at least one method step, during a laying-in into a secondary packaging, a fin of the enveloping unit of the primary packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis as a result from a contact with an inner wall, in particular the aforementioned inner wall, of the secondary packaging, in particular of the support unit, and, in particular directly after this, a folding of an outer wall of the secondary packaging, in particular of the support unit, is effected, preferably towards the primary packaging, wherein a further fin of the enveloping unit of the primary packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around a further axis, in particular as a result of a contact with a further inner wall of the secondary packaging, in particular of the support unit. The implementation according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or the received product during an arrangement in a secondary packaging. Particularly preferably, a folding process of the secondary packaging may be used for a selective bending, arching and/or folding of the fin to enable an advantageous damping characteristic realized by the fin.

It is further proposed that in at least one method step the primary packaging and at least one further primary packaging, in particular a further primary packaging according to the invention, are arranged in a secondary packaging, in particular on the support unit, in a shingled or cross-wise manner, in such a way that fins of the primary packaging and of the further primary packaging are arranged essentially overlap-free or contact-free. Preferably, in a crosswise arrangement, viewed along a direction that extends at least substantially parallel to a main support surface of the secondary packaging, in particular of the support unit, the fins of the primary packaging and of the further primary packaging are arranged in the secondary packaging, in particular the support unit, in an essentially overlap-free manner. Preferentially, in a shingled arrangement, viewed along the direction that extends at least substantially parallel to a main support surface of the secondary packaging, in particular of the support unit, the fins of the primary packaging and of the further primary packaging are arranged in the secondary packaging, in particular the support unit, in an essentially contact-free manner. The implementation according to the invention advantageously enables facilitating a reliable protection of the enveloping unit and/or of the received product during an arrangement in a secondary packaging. Particularly preferably it is possible to avoid a mutual contact of the fins, allowing a damping function of the fins that is advantageously unimpeded or non-influenced by other primary packagings.

The primary packaging according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention are/is herein not to be limited to the application and implementation form described above. In particular, for the purpose of fulfilling a functionality that is described here, the primary packaging according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention may comprise a number of individual elements, structural components and units as well as method steps that differs from a number that is described here. Moreover, regarding the value ranges given in the present disclosure, values situated within the limits mentioned shall also be considered to be disclosed and to be insertable as applicable.

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features individually and will find further expedient combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is shown in:

FIG. 1 a sectional view of a primary packaging according to the invention in a schematic representation,

FIG. 2 a packaging machine according to the invention for a production and/or for a transport of primary packagings according to the invention, in a schematic representation,

FIG. 3 a transport unit of the packaging machine according to the invention for a transport of the primary packaging according to the invention, in a schematic representation,

FIG. 4 a flow chart of a method according to the invention for a production and/or a transport of primary packagings according to the invention,

FIG. 5 a side view of the primary packaging according to the invention in a state when arranged in a secondary packaging, in a schematic representation,

FIG. 6 a perspective view of a plurality of primary packagings according to the invention in a state when arranged in the secondary packaging, in a schematic representation, and

FIG. 7 a perspective view of a plurality of alternative primary packagings according to the invention in a state when arranged in an alternative secondary packaging, in a schematic representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a primary packaging 10 a for receiving at least one product 12 a, in particular a food product. The primary packaging 10 a is preferably embodied as a primary paper packaging. The primary packaging 10 a comprises at least one enveloping unit 14 a, which in particular comes into contact with the product 12 a directly, in particular a tubular paper bag. The enveloping unit 14 a preferably comprises several layers. The enveloping unit 14 a comprises at least one barrier layer 16 a for a protection of the received product 12 a, against humidity and/or oxygen, and at least one carrier layer 18 a, in particular paper layer, which is connected with the barrier layer 16 a, in particular by substance-to-substance bond. The carrier layer 18 a is preferably implemented as a paper layer. Preferentially the barrier layer 16 a is implemented as a transparent PET layer. The barrier layer 16 a is preferably configured as a barrier against oxygen. It is however also conceivable that the barrier layer 16 a is implemented as a different layer deemed to be expedient by someone skilled in the art, which is configured as a barrier against oxygen, as a barrier against water vapor, as a barrier against condensate, as a lipid barrier, as a humidity barrier, or as another barrier that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. Preferentially the enveloping unit 14 a comprises, in addition to the barrier layer 16 a and to the carrier layer 18 a, a sealing and structure layer 64 a, in particular a sealing and structure layer 64 a which is already known to someone skilled in the art and is usable for a transverse sealing seam and/or for a longitudinal sealing seam.

Furthermore, the primary packaging 10 a comprises at least one functional unit 20 a, which is in particular embodied in a one-part implementation with the enveloping unit 14 a, in particular a damping and/or stiffening unit, for a protection of the enveloping unit 14 a and/or the received product 12 a from damages. The functional unit 20 a is formed at least partly by at least one fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a, in particular by at least one fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a created as a result of a fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit 14 a. The fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a preferably forms an end of the enveloping unit 14 a. In particular, a separating edge and/or a rip-open edge of the enveloping unit 14 a is arranged on the fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a. Preferably the fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a is a region of the enveloping unit 14 a in which two partial regions of an inner side of the enveloping unit 14 a are directly connected, in particular glued, with each other after a transverse sealing. Preferentially the enveloping unit 14 a comprises a fin 22 a, 24 a on each end. Preferably the enveloping unit 14 a comprises at least two, in particular precisely two, fins 22 a, 24 a. Preferentially the fins 22 a, 24 a are arranged on ends of the enveloping unit 14 a that face away from one another. Preferably the fin 22 a, 24 a or fins 22 a, 24 a is/are configured to act as a damper/as dampers following a deformation and/or a movement of the fin 22 a, 24 a or fins 22 a, 24 a, in particular in case of an impact of a force, along an axis extending at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 66 a of the enveloping unit 14 a, onto the fin 22 a, 24 a or the fins 22 a, 24 a. The longitudinal axis 66 a of the enveloping unit 14 a preferentially extends at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of a longitudinal sealing seam of the enveloping unit 14 a.

The functional unit 20 a is formed at least partly by a fold triangle 26 a, 28 a of the enveloping unit 14 a, in particular by at least one fold triangle 26 a, 28 a of the enveloping unit 14 a that has been generated as a result of a fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit 14 a. The fold triangle 26 a, 28 a of the enveloping unit 14 a is preferably formed, in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art, as a result of an introduction of a transverse sealing seam. Preferentially the fold triangle 26 a, 28 a is arranged in a region of the enveloping unit 14 a that extends between the fins 22 a, 24 a and the received product 12 a. The fold triangle 26 a, 28 a is preferably formed by a partial region of the enveloping unit 14 a which tapers from the received product 12 a toward the fin 22 a, 24 a. Preferentially the enveloping unit 14 a comprises a fold triangle 26 a, 28 a on each side that faces towards the respective fin 22 a, 24 a. Preferably the enveloping unit 14 a comprises at least two, in particular precisely two, fold triangles 26 a, 28 a. Preferentially the fold triangles 26 a, 28 a are arranged on sides of the enveloping unit 14 a which face away from one another. Preferably the fold triangle 26 a, 28 a, in particular each fold triangle 26 a, 28 a, is arranged between, in particular spatially between, the fin 22 a, 24 a and an, in particular rectangular-cuboid-shaped, receiving region 68 a of the enveloping unit 14 a, which the received product 12 a is arranged in. Preferentially the fold triangle 26 a, 28 a or the fold triangles 26 a, 28 a forms/form a stiffening structure of the enveloping unit 14 a which, in particular in case of a force acting onto the fin 22 a, 24 a or fins 22 a, 24 a along the axis extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 66 a of the enveloping unit 14 a, counteracts a deformation of the entire enveloping unit 14 a, and preferably counteracts a contact between the fin 22 a, 24 a or fins 22 a, 24 a and the received product 12 a.

Alternatively or additionally the functional unit 20 a is realized at least partly by at least the fin 22 a, 24 a, in particular the fins 22 a, 24 a, of the enveloping unit 14 a, in particular by the fins 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a created as a result of the fin seam sealing of the enveloping unit 14 a, wherein the fin 22 a, 24 a, in particular the fins 22 a, 24 a, comprises, in particular comprise, a stiffening structure 30 a, 32 a, in particular in addition to a sealing structure (see FIG. 6, in which the stiffening structure 30 a, 32 a is indicated by a dashed line).

The functional unit 20 a is implemented at least partly by a stiffness parameter of the carrier layer 18 a, which is in particular embodied as a paper layer, in particular by a paper stiffness parameter of the paper layer. Preferably the functional unit 20 a is implemented at least partly by the material-specific stiffness parameter of the carrier layer 18 a and by a geometrical arrangement, in particular by the implementation of the fold triangle 26 a, 28 a and by the fins 22 a, 24 a. The stiffness parameter of the carrier layer 18 a, which is in particular embodied as a paper layer, is preferably greater than the stiffness parameter of a carrier layer that is formed of a synthetic foil or aluminum foil and is already known to someone skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 shows a packaging machine 38 a for a production and/or for a transport of a primary packaging 10 a shown in FIG. 1. The packaging machine 38 a is preferably implemented as a tubular-bag machine. Preferentially the packaging machine 38 a comprises a forming device 70 a with at least one, in particular roll-free, forming unit 72 a, in particular a forming collar, which is configured for shaping a packaging material 74 a, in particular a paper web and/or a foil web, for a realization of the enveloping unit 14 a. In particular, the forming device 70 a is configured for guiding a packaging material 74 a along a horizontal transport direction 78 a, in particular along a horizontal transport direction 78 a extending at least substantially perpendicularly to an effective gravity direction 76 a.

Preferentially the forming device 70 a is configured at least for a shaping and/or guiding of the packaging material 74 a. Preferably the packaging machine 38 a comprises at least one packaging material wind-off unit 80 a, which is configured for receiving the packaging material 74 a. Preferentially the packaging material wind-off unit 80 a is configured for off-winding the packaging material 74 a, in particular for feeding the packaging material 74 a to a packaging material feeding unit 82 a of the packaging machine 38 a. The packaging material feeding unit 82 a is in particular configured to feed the packaging material 74 a to the forming device 70 a. The packaging material feeding unit 82 a may comprise a plurality of components, in particular components known to someone skilled in the art, like for example at least one oscillating lever, at least one centering feeler, at least one web edge controlling and/or at least one printing unit for imprinting the packaging material 74 a. Preferably the packaging machine 38 a comprises at least one product feeding unit 84 a, in particular a conveyor belt, a pick-up chain, or the like, which is configured to transport the products 12 a which are to be packaged into a region of the forming device 70 a for an enveloping by the packaging material 74 a, respectively by the enveloping unit 14 a.

The packaging machine 38 a preferably comprises at least one longitudinal sealing unit 86 a, which is configured to create a longitudinal sealing seam of the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, which in particular extends at least substantially parallel to the transport direction 78 a, in particular by a pressure onto the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, and/or by introducing heat into the packaging material 74 a respectively the enveloping unit 14 a. The longitudinal sealing unit 86 a is arranged along the transport direction 78 a after the forming device 70 a, in particular after a shape-guiding unit 88 a of the forming device 70 a. In particular, the longitudinal sealing unit 86 a comprises at least one pair of sealing rolls (not shown here), which are in particular heatable, profiled and/or subjectable to pressure, and which are configured to transport the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, in particular by a rotation. Preferably the longitudinal sealing unit 86 a comprises a plurality of pairs of sealing rolls, wherein at least a first pair of sealing rolls, which is arranged along the transport direction 78 a after the forming device 70 a, is implemented to be heating-free, in particular for a heating-free transport of the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a.

The packaging machine 38 a preferentially comprises at least one transverse sealing unit 90 a, which is configured, in particular after one product 12 a respectively, to create transverse sealing seams of the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, which in particular extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the transport direction 78 a, in particular by a pressure onto the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, and/or by introducing heat into the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a. Preferably the transverse sealing unit 90 a is configured for singulating the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, into individual packagings, which in particular enclose one product 12 a respectively. The transverse sealing unit 90 a is arranged along the transport direction 78 a after the longitudinal sealing unit 86 a. The forming unit 72 a is preferentially configured to deflect the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a. In particular, the packaging material feeding unit 82 a is configured to feed the packaging material 74 a, respectively the enveloping unit 14 a, to the forming unit 72 a along a direction, in particular run-in direction, extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the transport direction 78 a.

The packaging machine 38 a furthermore comprises at least one transport unit 40 a, which is implemented in such a way that during a transport, in particular during a transport into a secondary packaging 42 a (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the primary packaging 10 a is supported at least in a region of the fold triangle 26 a, 28 a of the enveloping unit 14 a and/or the fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a is bent, arched and/or folded around at least one axis 44 a, 46 a. The transport unit 40 a is preferably embodied by a gripper unit, which is configured to lift the primary packaging 10 a from the product feeding unit 84 a, in particular a conveyor belt, a pickup chain or something like that, of the packaging machine 38 a and to convey it to the secondary packaging 42 a. FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the transport unit 40 a. The transport unit 40 a preferentially comprises at least one holding element 92 a, by means of which the primary packaging 10 a can be held for a transport into the secondary packaging 42 a. The holding element 92 a may, for example, be realized as a negative-pressure holding element, like for example as a suction cup (the holding element realized as a suction cup is depicted in FIG. 3 by a dashed line and has no reference numeral). Preferentially the transport unit 40 a comprises, in particular in addition to the holding element 92 a, at least one further holding element 94 a, by means of which the primary packaging 10 a can be held for a transport into the secondary packaging 42 a. Preferably the primary packaging 10 a can be clamped between the holding element 92 a and the further holding element 94 a. The holding element 92 a and the further holding element 94 a are preferably supported translationally movably on a base body 96 a of the transport unit 40 a. The base body 96 a of the transport unit 40 a may itself be arranged on a multi-axial robot arm (not shown here in detail) of the transport unit 40 a or on another motion mechanism of the transport unit 40 a that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. It is however also conceivable that, alternatively or additionally to the translationally movable support, the holding element 92 a and the further holding element 94 a are supported on the base body 96 a in a rotatable or pivotable manner.

Preferably, in a transport of the primary packaging 10 a by the transport unit 40 a, the fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a is bent, arched and/or folded around the axis 44 a, 46 a that is allocated to the respective fin 22 a, 24 a by the holding element 92 a, respectively by the further holding element 94 a. The axis or the axes 44 a, 46 a, which the fin or the fins 22 a, 24 a is/are bent, arched and/or folded around, extends/extend transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis 66 a of the enveloping unit 14 a. It is however also conceivable that the fin or the fins 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a is/are bent, arched and/or folded around an axis extending at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 66 a of the enveloping unit 14 a.

Preferentially the transport unit 40 a comprises at least one support element 98 a, which is configured to support the primary packaging 10 a during a transport, in particular a transport into the secondary packaging 42 a, at least in a region of the fold triangle 26 a of the enveloping unit 14 a (see FIG. 3). Preferably the transport unit 40 a comprises, in particular in addition to the support element 98 a, at least one further support element 100 a, which is configured to support the primary packaging 10 a during a transport, in particular a transport into the secondary packaging 42 a, at least in the region of the further fold triangle 28 a of the enveloping unit 14 a. The support element 98 a and the further support element 100 a are preferably supported on the base body 96 a of the transport unit 40 a such that they are translationally movable. It is however, alternatively or additionally, conceivable that the support element 98 a and the further support element 100 a are supported or arranged on the base body 96 a rotatably or pivotally or stationarily. The support element 98 a and the further support element 100 a are preferentially formed at least partly, in particular at an end that comes into contact with the primary packaging 10 a, of an elastic material, like for example a foam material, an elastomer, or the like.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow of a method 48 a for a production and/or a transport of the primary packaging 10 a. Preferably the primary packaging 10 a is manufactured by the packaging machine 38 a in at least one method step 102 a, wherein the product 12 a is received by the enveloping unit 14 a and, in particular following a production of the primary packaging 10 a and a receiving of the product 12 a, the product 12 a is transported into the secondary packaging 42 a by means of the transport unit 40 a of the packaging machine 38 a. The secondary packaging 42 a is preferably embodied as a cardboard packaging surrounded by a protective sleeve (not shown here in detail), in particular a protective sleeve made of plastic or paper, in a manner that is already known to someone skilled in the art. Preferentially the secondary packaging 42 a comprises a U-shaped support unit 104 a (see FIGS. 5 and 6), which is in particular already known to someone skilled in the art and on which a plurality of primary packagings 10 a are arranged, in particular before the support unit 104 a and the primary packagings 10 a arranged on the support unit 104 a are surrounded with the protective sleeve in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art. It is however also conceivable for the secondary packaging 42 a to have a different implementation deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, like for example an implementation as a box of paper or cardboard or the like, which can in particular be flapped open, and in which a plurality of primary packagings 10 a are arranged, in particular stack-wise and/or row-wise.

In at least one method step 50 a the primary packaging 10 a is supported during a transport, in particular a transport into a secondary packaging 42 a, at least in the region of the fold triangle 26 a, 28 a of the enveloping unit 14 a, and/or the fin 22 a, 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a is bent, arched and/or folded around at least the axis 44 a, 46 a. In at least one, in particular alternative or further, method step 52 a the fin 22 a of the enveloping unit 14 a of the primary packaging 10 a is bent, arched and/or folded around the axis 44 a as a result from a contact with an inner wall 54 a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the secondary packaging 42 a and, in particular directly after this, a pivoting movement of the primary packaging 10 a is effected, in particular by means of the transport unit 40 a, in which the further fin 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a of the primary packaging 10 a is bent, arched and/or folded around the further axis 46 a. The pivoting movement of the primary packaging 10 a is effected preferably around a pivot axis of the transport unit 40 a that extends at least substantially parallel to a main support surface 106 a of the support unit 104 a, in particular toward the support unit 104 a.

In at least one, in particular alternative or further, method step 56 a, during a laying-in into the secondary packaging 42 a, the fin 22 a of the enveloping unit 14 a of the primary packaging 10 a is bent, arched and/or folded around the axis 44 a as a result from a contact with the inner wall 54 a of the secondary packaging 42 a and, in particular directly after this, a folding of an outer wall 58 a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the secondary packaging 42 a is effected, in which the further fin 24 a of the enveloping unit 14 a of the primary packaging 10 a is bent, arched and/or folded around the further axis 46 a.

When a plurality of primary packagings 10 a have been arranged in the secondary packaging 42 a according to at least one of the method steps described above, in the arrangements illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 5 and 6, a protective sleeve (not shown in detail) of the secondary packaging 42 a is arranged around the support unit 104 a and the primary packagings 10 a which are arranged thereon by the packaging machine 38 a.

Alternatively to a row-wise arrangement of the primary packagings 10 a in the secondary packaging 42 a, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is also conceivable that in at least one method step 60 a the primary packaging 10 a and at least one further primary packaging (not shown here in detail) are arranged in the secondary packaging 42 a in a shingled or cross-wise manner in such a way that fins 22 a, 24 a of the primary packaging 10 a and the further primary packaging are arranged essentially overlap-free or contact-free. Further implementations deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art are also conceivable.

In FIG. 7 a further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The following description and the drawing are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding identically denominated structural components, in particular structural components having the same reference numerals, principally the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 6, may be referred to. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a has been added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 to 6. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 the letter a has been substituted by the letter b.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative implementation of a primary packaging 10 b. The primary packaging 10 b illustrated in FIG. 7 has all features of the primary packaging 10 a illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 and described accordingly. In contrast to the primary packaging 10 a that is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 and is partly described, the primary packaging 10 b illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a functional unit 20 b, which is formed, in particular in addition to fins 22 b, 24 b, at least partially by a fold triangle 26 b, 28 b, in particular a fold triangle 26 b, 28 b created as a result of a fin seam sealing of an enveloping unit 14 b of the primary packaging 10 b, and by a counter-fold triangle 34 b, 36 b, in particular a gusset, of the enveloping unit 14 b. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 a plurality of primary packagings 10 b are arranged in a secondary packaging 42 b upon one another in several rows. Regarding further features and functions of the primary packaging 10 b illustrated in FIG. 7 and the secondary packaging 42 b illustrated in FIG. 7, the description of FIGS. 1 to 6 is referred to, which shall be read analogously onto the primary packaging 10 b illustrated in FIG. 7 and onto the secondary packaging 42 b illustrated in FIG. 7. 

1.-6. (canceled)
 7. A packaging machine for production and/or for transport of a primary paper packaging for receiving at least one product, wherein the primary paper packaging comprises at least one enveloping unit and at least one functional unit for protection of the enveloping unit and/or the received product from damage, wherein the enveloping unit comprising at least one barrier layer for protection of the received product and comprising at least one carrier layer, which is connected with the barrier layer, wherein the packaging machine comprises at least one transport unit, which is configured such that during a transport, the primary paper packaging is supported at least in a region of a fold triangle of the enveloping unit and/or a fin of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around at least one axis, wherein the transport unit includes a gripper unit, which is configured, by a form-fit and/or force-fit connection, to lift the primary paper packaging from a product feeding unit of the packaging machine and to convey the primary paper packaging to a secondary packaging.
 8. A method for production and/or for transport of the primary paper packaging by the packaging machine according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one method step, during a transport, the primary paper packaging is supported, at least in the region of a fold triangle of the enveloping unit, and/or the fin of the enveloping unit is bent, arched and/or folded around at least one axis.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A method for production and/or for transport of the primary paper packaging by the packaging machine according to claim 8, characterized in that in at least one method step, during a laying-in into a secondary packaging, the fin of the enveloping unit of the primary paper packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis as a result from a contact with an inner wall of the secondary packaging and, a pivoting movement of the primary paper packaging is effected, in which a further fin of the enveloping unit of the primary paper packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around a further axis.
 11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in at least one method step, during a laying-in into a secondary packaging, the fin of the enveloping unit of the primary paper packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis as a result from a contact with an inner wall of the secondary packaging and, a folding of an outer wall of the secondary packaging is effected in which a further fin of the enveloping unit of the primary paper packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around a further axis.
 12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in at least one method step the primary paper packaging and at least one further primary paper packaging are arranged in a secondary packaging in a shingled or cross-wise manner in such a way that fins of the primary paper packaging and of the further primary paper packaging are arranged essentially overlap-free or contact-free.
 13. A method for production and/or for transport of the primary paper packaging by the packaging machine according to claim 7, characterized in that in at least one method step, during a laying-in into a secondary packaging, the fin of the enveloping unit of the primary paper packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around an axis as a result from a contact with an inner wall of the secondary packaging and, a folding of an outer wall of the secondary packaging is effected in which a further fin of the enveloping unit of the primary paper packaging is bent, arched and/or folded around a further axis.
 14. The packaging machine of claim 7, wherein the packaging machine is a tubular bag packaging machine.
 15. The packaging machine of claim 7, wherein the transport unit transports the primary paper packaging into a secondary packaging. 